Two segments that really soared to new heights in 2011 were smartphones aand tablets. With better software and cheaper prices, these two gadgets fascinated the average Joe, which in turn led to a flurry of new devices from every corner. It was clear that users wanted information anytime, anywhere and it is devices like these which deliver just that.

With Apple still being a strong driving force in the mobile and tablet space, Google’s Android operating system (OS) has grown in leaps and bounds. According to Gartner’s Q3 global sales figures for smart-phones, Android topped out with a 50% market-share, double of where it stood just a year back. Samsung is now the number one smart-phone-maker in the world which is not surprising, considering the amount of great devices the company has been churning out almost every month.

With every passing year, we witness some truly great and ground-breaking technology or products. On the other hand, there are some that simply fail to take off — devices that are overhyped and look great on paper but fail to work in the real world.

Here is a quick recap of some of the best and worst technologies and gadgets of 2011.